Wildlife Habitat
Many people who go for outdoor activities in the wilderness are attracted to the clean air, and of course the natural beauty of the variety of plant and animal life. However, there is also the added anxiety about possible encounters with bears, wildcats or wolves, or getting bitten by snakes, or insects. The reality is that insects are far more deadly than animals. Severe injuries or deaths by animal attacks are uncommon. Wasps, bees and hornet stings account for far more fatalities than snakes, bears, wolves and other large animals combined.
It is important to know about the wildlife (that includes any dangerous bugs or plants) in the area you are will be hiking. With this info you will be able to enjoy the hike, and also keep as safe as possible by knowing when to keep your distance while out in the wilderness.
Awareness
Be aware of the wildlife while you are out and about in the wilderness. Naturally, there are the obvious things you will want to avoid like bears and snakes. But, there are animals that may not be top of mind when you think about traveling in the outdoors. Moose are an example of this, and while they may not seem to pose as much of a threat as a bear, they can still be just as dangerous. If you want to see an animal up close, have your binoculars handy and keep yourself safe by giving all animals their distance.
When you are hiking the trails, stick to them, and if you are in bear country make plenty of noise night or day. A metal spoon dangling in a metal cup tied to your backpack should be sufficient. A lot of bear incidents occur because the bear was scared and caught off guard. Also remember that this is the animal’s natural habitat and if you feed them you are giving them the idea that it is okay to approach humans. Keep everyone’s safety in mind and refrain from feeding the wildlife.
Avoid run-ins with Wildlife
Avoiding any encounters with wildlife is also easier when traveling in groups. You will naturally make more noise and will look scarier to any predator wildlife like cougars and bears. If you are going to an area that commonly has bears or cougars, don’t hike after dark; this is when they are going to be most active and looking for prey. Wild animals are usually the main concern when thinking about the dangers of hiking, but don’t forget the bugs and plants too.
Insects and Plant Life
Bugs and plants are commonly overlooked as sources of danger on the trail, but they can be just as
dangerous as an unwanted run-in with the local wildlife. Poison ivy and poison oak are two common ones to avoid. These can actually land you in the emergency room if you are not careful. Other harmful plants are of the common nettle varieties. These leave you with a stinging rash after skin contact.
Be aware of any potentially dangerous insects in the area such as deer ticks which causes Lyme disease. A good bug spray will usually take care of mosquitoes and black flies. Also watch out for spiders such as the black widow which is native to North America. Except for mosquitoes, it is unusual to see these bugs, unless you are on the lookout for them, so pay attention in case one is in your path.
If ever in doubt about a plant, animal or bug, just go in the opposite direction. It is always better to be safer when it comes to these things.
